SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has placed defenseman Tom Gilbert on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release.

“Due to the NHL salary cap decreasing this season, we needed to make this difficult decision to give the team more flexibility,” said Fletcher. “We thank Tom for his time with the Wild and wish him the best going forward.

If he clears waivers, Minnesota will use a compliance buy-out, as allowed by the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, on Gilbert. He will be bought out and become an unrestricted free agent on Friday, eligible to sign with any team in the NHL, except Minnesota.

Gilbert collected 18 points (3-15=18) in 63 games with Minnesota after being acquired in a trade from the Edmonton Oilers for Nick Schultz on Feb. 27, 2012.